Joshua has also been linked with fights against fellow Brit Tyson Fury and WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker but he says he would be happy to face Wilder - as long as the American does not overplay his hand at the negotiating table.

"I am not in the business of making promises that I can't fulfil. I am working on getting this fight done.

"Providing Deontay Wilder is true to his word this fight will happen in 2018.

"It is simple business. We have worked with all-time greats like [Wladimir] Klitschko. We have managed to defend this title five times.

"If they are realistic about what they want, we can definitely make this fight happen."

Eddie Hearn says initial talks for a 2018 mega fight between Joshua and Wilder to unify the heavyweight division have gone well

Eddie Hearn says initial talks for a 2018 mega fight between Joshua and Wilder to unify the heavyweight division have gone well

Wilder (39-0-38KO) is a big puncher who has only been the distance once in his undefeated career - against Bermane Stiverne in 2015 and he finished Stiverne inside one round of their rematch earlier this month.

The WBC world champion is a dangerous opponent for Joshua (20-0-20KO) but the former Olympic gold medallist insists he is not afraid to take risks.